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Ears (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
What Are Ears and What Do They Do?

The ear is made up of three different sections that work together to collect sounds and send them to the brain: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
The Outer Ear

The outer ear is made up of the pinna — also called the auricle (OR-ih-kul) — and the ear canal. The pinna is the part of the ear you see on the side of your head and is made of tough cartilage covered by skin. Its main job is to gather sounds and funnel them to the ear canal, which is the pathway that leads to the middle ear. Glands in the skin lining the ear canal produce earwax, which protects the canal by cleaning out dirt and helping to prevent infections.

The Middle Ear

The middle ear is an air-filled cavity that turns sound waves into vibrations and delivers them to the inner ear. The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, a thin piece of tissue stretched tight across the ear canal. Sounds hit the eardrum, causing it to move.

This movement leads to vibrations of three very small bones in the middle ear known as the ossicles (AH-sih-kuls). The ossicles are:
- the malleus (MAH-lee-us) (“hammer”), which is attached to the eardrum
- the incus (IN-kus) (“anvil”), which is attached to the malleus
- the stapes (STAY-peez) (“stirrup”), which is attached to the incus and is the smallest bone in the body
To hear properly, the pressure on both sides of your eardrum must be equal. When you go up or down in elevation, the air pressure changes and you may feel a popping sensation as your ears adjust. Ears adjust thanks to the narrow Eustachian (yoo-STAY-she-en) tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and acts as a sort of pressure valve, so the pressure stays balanced on both sides of the eardrum.

The Inner Ear

The vibrations from the middle ear change into nerve signals in the inner ear. The inner ear includes the cochlea (KOH-klee-uh) and the semicircular canals.The snail-shaped cochlea changes the vibrations from the middle ear into nerve signals. These signals travel to the brain along the cochlear nerve, also known as the auditory nerve.

The semicircular canals look like three tiny, connected tubes. It’s their job to help you balance. The canals are filled with fluid and lined with tiny hairs. When your head moves, the fluid in the canals sloshes around, moving the hairs. The hairs send this position information as signals through the vestibular nerve to your brain. The brain interprets these signals and sends messages to the muscles that help keep you balanced.

When you spin around and stop, the reason you feel dizzy is because the fluid in your semicircular canals continues to slosh around for awhile, giving your brain the idea that you’re still spinning even when you aren’t. When the fluid stops moving, the dizziness goes away.

The cochlear nerve, which is attached to the cochlea and sends sound information to the brain, and the vestibular (veh-STIB-yuh-ler) nerve, which carries balance information from the semicircular canals to the brain, together make up the vestibulocochlear (vess-tib-yuh-lo-KOH-klee-er) nerve.

How Can I Keep My Child’s Ears Healthy?

Teach kids not to stick things like cotton swabs and fingernails into ears. Doing so can scratch the ear canal, push earwax deeper into the ear, and even rupture the eardrum. If your child is bothered by earwax, talk to your doctor.

Teach kids to protect their hearing by paying attention to the noise levels they’re exposed to. Have them turn down the volume on video games, TVs, and, especially, portable music players. Make sure they take hearing protection (like earplugs or protective earmuffs/headphones) when they’ll be around loud noises (at a concert, car race, etc.).

If your child has any trouble hearing, reach out to your doctor. Treating hearing loss early can limit the damage.
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December 4, 2024
How Heavy Is Your Food’s Carbon Footprint?

How much greenhouse gas does the production of different foods cause, measured in miles driven or lightbulb hour equivalents?

“Our eating habits are making us and the planet increasingly unhealthy—it’s a lose-lose situation.” “A global transformation of the food system is urgently needed.”

“In consideration of the mounting evidence regarding the environmental effects of foods, in 2015, the [U.S.] Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee included for the first time a chapter focused on food safety and sustainability.” It concluded that “a dietary pattern that is higher in plantbased foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in animalbased foods is more health promoting and is associated with lesser environmental impact than is the current average US diet.” However, unsurprisingly, “despite unprecedented public support, this and other sustainability language were not included in the final 2015–20 Dietary Guidelines published by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture.”

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines didn’t even sufficiently stick to the science of healthy eating either. “Many national dietary guidelines do not reflect this evidence on healthy eating and include no or too lax limits for animal-source foods, particularly meat and dairy, despite an opposing evidence base.” Even if it completely ignored planetary health and just stuck to the latest evidence on healthy eating, it would have knock-on environmental benefits. Replacing animal-sourced foods with plant-based ones would not only improve nutrition and help people live longer, but it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84 percent.

In general, “plant-based foods cause fewer adverse environmental effects” by nearly any measure. In terms of carbon footprint, all the foods that are the equivalent of driving more than a mile (1.6 km) per 4 ounces (113 g) served are animal products, as you can see below and at 1:44 in my video Which Foods Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?.

Below and at 2:05 in my video, you can see the greenhouse gas emissions from various foods. Even though something like a lamb chop or farmed fish may be the worst, eating chicken causes about five times the global warming than tropical fruit, for instance. What are the climate superstars? Legumes—beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils.

“For example, in the United States, substituting beans for beef at the national level could deliver up to 75% of the 2020 GHG [greenhouse gas] reduction target and spare an area of land 1.5 times the size of California,” not to mention health benefits. And it isn’t just greenhouse gases. “To produce 1 kg [2.2 lbs] of protein from kidney beans required approximately eighteen times less land, ten times less water, nine times less fuel, twelve times less fertilizer and ten times less pesticide in comparison to producing 1 kg [2.2 lbs] of protein from beef.”

So, yes, according to the prestigious EAT-Lancet Commission, more plant-based may be better, but even “a shift towards a dietary pattern emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes without necessarily becoming a strict vegan, will be beneficial.” In Europe, for example, researchers found that just “halving the consumption of meat, dairy products, and eggs in the European Union would achieve a 40% reduction in nitrogen emissions, 25–40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and 23% per capita less use of cropland for food production. In addition, the dietary changes would also lower health risks,” reducing cardiovascular mortality, which is Europe’s leading cause of death.

“However, minimizing environmental impacts does not necessarily maximize human health.” Yes, as you can see below and at 3:33 in my video, animal products, including dairy, eggs, fish, and other meat, release significantly more greenhouse gas per serving than foods from plants, but eating added sugar and oil won’t do your own body any favors.

In California, including more animal products in your diet requires an additional 10,000 quarts/liters of water each week. So, that’s like taking 150 more showers in seven days. As you can see below and at 4:00 in my video, skipping meat just on weekdays could conserve thousands of gallons of water a week, compared to eating meat every day, as well as cut your daily carbon footprint and total ecological footprint by about 40 percent.

Some countries are actually doing something about it. For example, the “Chinese government has outlined a plan to reduce its citizens’ meat consumption by 50%,” whereas much of the rest of the world appears to be doing the complete opposite, pumping billions of taxpayer dollars into subsidizing the meat, dairy, and egg industries, as you can see below and at 4:15 in my video.

We can certainly all try to do our part. However, an obstacle to dietary change may be that “consumers underestimate” the environmental impacts of different types of food. Labeling may help. For example, imagine picking up a can of beef noodle soup and seeing the image below, shown at 4:38 in my video.

The carbon footprint of a single half-cup serving of beef noodle soup is like leaving on a light for 39 hours straight—and not an eco-bulb, but an old-school, 100-watt incandescent bulb. Compare that to eating a meat-free vegetable soup. Between the two, there’s a difference of 34 light-bulb hours, as you can see below and at 4:50 in my video. You can imagine someone getting on your case for unnecessarily leaving on a light for 34 minutes, but this is 34 hours wasted just from eating half a cup (120 ml) of a meaty soup rather than a meat-free vegetable soup.

This is the second in a three-video series. If you missed the first one, check out Friday Favorites: Win-Win Dietary Solutions to the Climate Crisis. Stay tuned for Which Diets Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?. Also check: Friday Favorites: Which Foods and Diets Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?.

For more, see my older video Diet and Climate Change: Cooking Up a Storm and a [digital download] on using plant-based or cultivated meat as a climate (and pandemic) mitigation strategy.

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December 3, 2024
Is Your Drinking Water Safe? This Metal In Your Supply May Pose Cancer Risk

With the rise in cancer diagnoses, it’s high time we pay attention to what we consume daily, including food and water. Could your drinking water be a source of exposure to carcinogenic metals? A recent study conducted in Texas found that even low levels of arsenic in water, below the regulatory threshold of 10 parts per billion, could pose health risks, including an increased risk of kidney cancer.

In the latest study, researchers from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health investigated the link between arsenic levels in drinking water and kidney cancer rates across 240 Texas counties. Arsenic is naturally present in groundwater in Texas and other regions.

Kidney cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the U.S. It has an age-adjusted incidence rate of 17.2 per 100,000 people from 2017 to 2021. Several factors can increase the risk, including being male, African American, or having a family history of the disease. In addition, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol use, and obesity, along with health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and advanced kidney disease, can elevate the risk. Studies also show that exposure to certain chemicals, such as trichloroethylene, may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer

The latest study results suggest a dose-response relationship between arsenic in drinking water and kidney cancer, with cancer risk increasing by 4% with each doubling of arsenic levels. The researchers also noted that moderate levels (1–5 ppb) and high levels (>5 ppb) of arsenic exposure raised cancer risk by 6% and 22%, respectively.

“Some public water systems are poorly managed and could expose customers to arsenic, but the 40 million people in the United States who rely on private wells are particularly vulnerable,” said Taehyun Roh, from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics who was involved in the study.

“This [study] suggests that even low-level arsenic exposure in drinking water may be associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, which aligns with previous research indicating an association between this exposure and lung, bladder, and skin cancers,” Roh said.

The researchers caution that the study establishes associations between factors but does not prove causality. They emphasize the need for future studies to assess the effects of factors such as lifestyle, family history of kidney cancer, and other potential sources of arsenic exposure. However, based on the findings, researchers call for stricter regulation and targeted public health interventions.

“Our findings indicate that reducing arsenic exposure could reduce the incidence of kidney cancer, and this could be achieved through efforts such as enhanced regulatory oversight and targeted public health interventions,” Nishat Tasnim Hasan, a researcher involved said.

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December 3, 2024
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December 3, 2024
12 Quotes About Compassion By Mindfulness Teachers

Earlier this year, the Mindful editorial team had the joy of interviewing 10 women leading the charge to make the world a more kind, connected place for our 2025 edition of the Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement feature article. With each conversation, we were inspired by these women’s stories, heartened by their dedication to true compassion, and puzzled over how we were going to fit so much wisdom into such short profiles. Spoiler alert: Despite our best efforts, a lot of great stuff ended up having to be cut. Here, we’re sharing some of their wise words that didn’t make it into the feature, but deserve to be shared.

To learn more about The Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement: 2025, check out the feature article here, and guided meditations by the women here.

12 Inspirational Quotes About Compassion

1. “If the backbone of compassion stands that we want all beings to benefit from these practices, then that includes the vast array of wiring and diversity of people that we have in this world.” – Sue Hutton

2. “As research shows, we feel empathy naturally for people who are in the in-group and for not the outgroup, so that’s where the practice of compassion comes in. We cannot just rely on our human instincts to feel compassion, because we live in a world where people have different identities, different worldviews, different cultures and habits. Especially right now with social media creating more divisiveness, actively cultivating compassion becomes really important.” – Shalini Bahl

“Compassion is very clear-eyed. It’s not sentimental, it’s very clear-eyed and wise and objective.”

Vidyamala Burch

3. “Compassion is very clear-eyed. It’s not sentimental, it’s very clear-eyed and wise and objective.” – Vidyamala Burch

4. “The goal of meditation is not focus. It’s not calm. Those are avenues. The goal is ultimately to get to present awareness, and then we become aware of how we treat others, the impact we’re having. We can make adjustments in real time where we can expand who we are, expand our compassion, expand our impact on the world.” – Nanea Reeves

5. “The ethics of belonging pushes us to question those narratives that we have created, those cultural narratives, and then also our own idea of self, into then breaking that pattern of not seeing life in everything that is, or every being that is—and then approaching all of our experiential life and all phenomena as our kin.” – Yuria Celidwen

“I think when we are really mindful, we can’t help but be compassionate.”

S. Helen Mall

6.“I think when we are really mindful, we can’t help but be compassionate.” – S. Helen Ma

7. “The work of self-compassion is incredibly transformative work. But some people approach it from the perspective of, I’m going to get these practices and tools that will help me become a better person. There’s a tinge of self-improvement. In my experience, compassion is not something that we have to strive to get, that we either succeed or fail at. It is a byproduct of resting as ourselves.” – Caverly Morgan

8. “Disconnection is reflected in dehumanization, in disengagement, and in domination—all these ways oppression and traumas pull us out of our connection to ourselves, to humanity…The idea of reconnection is the path.” – Shelly Harrell

9. “If you’re going on a journey with someone, what kind of person do you want to go on a journey with? It’s really hard to enjoy the journey when there’s somebody in the seat beside you heckling you, putting you down, and telling you you’re not enough all the time. You’ll be a much nicer companion for your journey through life if you’re supportive and kind and respectful and encouraging.” – Melli O’Brien

“How do we learn to listen to the world, to the whole living, beautiful mother planet that we inhabit?”

Yuria Celidwen

10. “Even when we may feel emotionally aroused or disinterested, we can still sit there to listen to others. And by others, I don’t only mean other human experiences, but rather the whole natural thing. How do we learn to listen to the world, to the whole living, beautiful mother planet that we inhabit?” – Yuria Celidwen

11. “We can use all kinds of words and feel warm and fuzzy in ourselves—which is a start, to warm our own hearts through practice—but compassion and love have to have a connected quality where we also care about how it’s expressed, how it lands, and how it’s experienced. It’s that distinction between intention and impact. We can have the greatest intentions and the impact can still be harmful.” – Shelly Harrell

12. “For me personally, not just mindfulness, but self-compassion equally has been an absolute super power in my life because I can’t do anything that I’m doing in this world, I can’t share my gifts with the world, if I’m hooked by a voice in my head that that’s just like Everything I do sucks.” – Melli O’Brien

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December 3, 2024
The Danish Secret to Joy: How Hygge Can Improve Your Mental Health
The Danish Secret to Joy: How Hygge Can Improve Your Mental Health

In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and stressful, it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. But what if there was a way to cultivate a sense of joy and contentment, even in the midst of chaos? Enter hygge, the Danish concept that is taking the world by storm.

What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish word that is difficult to translate, but roughly means a sense of coziness, comfort, and contentment. It’s a feeling of warmth and togetherness that is often associated with candlelit dinners, crackling fires, and snuggled-up blankets. But hygge is more than just a feeling – it’s a way of life.

The Science Behind Hygge

Research has shown that hygge can have a profound impact on our mental health. In a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers found that participants who practiced hygge activities, such as lighting candles and drinking hot chocolate, experienced a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. Another study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who reported higher levels of hygge also reported higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness.

How to Practice Hygge

So, how can you incorporate hygge into your daily life? Here are a few tips:
- Lighting: Light candles, use soft lighting, and avoid harsh overhead lights.
- Textiles: Use soft, cozy blankets and throw pillows to create a sense of warmth and comfort.
- Food and Drink: Enjoy warm, comforting foods and drinks, such as soup, hot chocolate, and tea.
- Company: Spend time with loved ones, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends.
- Nature: Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature, whether it’s a walk in the park or a simple moment of observation.
The Benefits of Hygge

So, what are the benefits of practicing hygge? Here are a few:
- Reduced Stress: Hygge has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calmness.
- Improved Mood: The cozy, comforting atmosphere of hygge can boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Increased Social Connection: Hygge is often practiced with others, which can help to strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Improved Sleep: The relaxing atmosphere of hygge can help to improve sleep quality and duration.
Hygge in Everyday Life

So, how can you incorporate hygge into your everyday life? Here are a few ideas:
- Start a hygge routine: Set aside time each day to practice hygge, whether it’s reading a book by candlelight or enjoying a warm bath.
- Create a hygge space: Designate a cozy space in your home as a hygge haven, complete with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and warm textiles.
- Practice hygge with others: Invite friends and family over for a hygge night, complete with hot chocolate and cozy blankets.
Conclusion

Hygge is more than just a feeling – it’s a way of life. By incorporating hygge into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase social connection. So, why not give it a try? Light some candles, grab a blanket, and snuggle up with a good book. You never know – you might just find your own sense of hygge.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between hygge and coziness?
A: While both hygge and coziness refer to a sense of warmth and comfort, hygge is a more specific concept that is deeply rooted in Danish culture and tradition.

Q: Can I practice hygge alone?
A: Absolutely! While hygge is often practiced with others, it’s also perfectly fine to practice alone. In fact, many people find that hygge is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

Q: Is hygge only for winter?
A: No! While hygge is often associated with winter and the holiday season, it can be practiced at any time of year. In fact, many people find that hygge is a great way to beat the summer heat and relax on a warm summer evening.

Q: Can I practice hygge with my pets?
A: Yes! Many people find that hygge is a great way to bond with their pets, whether it’s snuggling up on the couch or taking a walk together.
December 3, 2024
Sweat with Self-Love: How to Incorporate Mindful Self-Care into Your Fitness Journey
As we delve into the world of fitness, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of achieving our goals. We may find ourselves pushing our bodies to the limit, sacrificing self-care for the sake of progress. But what if we told you that this approach can actually hinder, rather than help, our overall well-being? Enter the concept of mindful self-care, a vital component of a holistic fitness journey.

The Importance of Self-Love

When it comes to fitness, it’s easy to forget that our bodies are unique, complex machines deserving of love and care. In our pursuit of physical perfection, we often neglect the most important part of the equation: our own well-being. By prioritizing self-love and compassion, we can transform our relationship with exercise, making it a positive, sustainable experience that nourishes both body and mind.

Mindful Self-Care: What It Is and Why It Matters

Mindful self-care is a deliberate and intentional approach to caring for oneself. It involves cultivating awareness, intention, and a deep connection with one’s body and emotions. By doing so, we can move beyond the superficial masks of social media-induced pressure and societal expectations, instead embracing our true selves. This holistic approach to health and wellness can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Incorporating Mindful Self-Care into Your Fitness Journey

So, how can you start prioritizing self-love and compassion during your fitness journey? Here are a few simple yet potent strategies to get you started:
1. Listen to Your Body: One of the most crucial aspects of mindful self-care is listening to your body’s needs. This means paying attention to physical sensations, emotions, and intuitive nudges. By doing so, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your body’s limitations and capabilities, allowing you to make informed decisions that prioritize your well-being.
2. Embrace Imperfection: Let’s face it – perfection is a myth. By acknowledging and embracing our imperfections, we can release the pressure to be "perfect" and focus on progress, not perfection. This, in turn, will lead to a more sustainable and enjoyable fitness journey.
3. Practicing Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding you would offer to a close friend. Be gentle, patient, and understanding when your body needs rest or when you encounter setbacks. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a positive, loving relationship with your body.
4. Reframe Your Think-Get: Move away from the endless pursuit of a "fit" physique to focus on the journey, not the destination. Embrace the process, and celebrate tiny victories along the way. This mindset shift can lead to a deeper appreciation for the present moment and a greater sense of purpose.
5. Make Time for Self-Care: Schedule regular self-care practices, such as meditation, journaling, or even simply taking a relaxing bath. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll recharge and reboot, leading to a more energized and inspired approach to your fitness journey.
Conclusion

As we journey through the world of fitness, it’s essential to remember that our bodies are not merely machines to be pushed and prodded but dynamic, complex beings deserving of love and compassion. By incorporating mindful self-care into our fitness routine, we can create a more holistic, sustainable, and enjoyable experience. Prioritize self-love, and watch your entire outlook transform. Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey – and the love you shower upon yourself along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still achieve my fitness goals while prioritizing self-care?

A: Absolutely! In fact, prioritizing self-care can lead to a more focused, committed, and sustainable approach to your fitness journey.

Q: What if I’m new to self-care? Where do I even start?

A: Start small! Try incorporating one or two self-care practices into your daily routine, such as a morning meditation or a relaxing bath. Gradually build upon these habits as you grow more comfortable.

Q: Will self-care make me lazy or complacent?

A: Not at all! Self-care is about recharging and rebooting, allowing you to approach your fitness journey with renewed energy, focus, and passion. It’s not about being lazy, but about being kind to yourself.

sweat-with-self-love-how-to-incorporate-mindful-self-care-into-your-fitness-journey
December 3, 2024
What’s an Asthma Action Plan? (for Teens)
What’s an Asthma Action Plan?

An asthma action plan is a set of instructions that you create with your doctor to help you control your asthma. Following the plan can help you prevent flare-ups and deal with them if they do happen.

Having a written, step-by-step plan means that you don’t have to memorize everything your doctor tells you about managing asthma. You can keep the plan with you or memorize key parts of it. It can help to keep an electronic copy of it on your phone or tablet, if possible.

The plan can help you make sure your asthma doesn’t get in the way of playing sports, working out, going to parties, or doing whatever you want to do. Make it work for you!

What’s in the Asthma Action Plan?

Asthma varies from person to person, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all asthma action plan. But all action plans will say what to do if you have a flare-up. The plan also will explain what medicines you need to take and when, and when you need to call the doctor or go to the ER.

Many action plans use a color-coded “zone system” to make it easy to figure out which instructions apply to you. This system is based on the colors of a traffic light. It uses symptoms to help you decide what zone your asthma is in:
- The green zone, or “doing well” zone, explains how to manage your asthma every day, when you’re feeling good.
- The yellow zone, or caution zone, explains how to look for signs that your asthma is getting worse. It also says which medicines to use to bring your asthma back under control.
- The red zone, or danger zone, explains what to do when a flare-up is severe.
Your action plan also may include a list of triggers and how to avoid them, and things to do before exercising, if that’s a trigger for you. It also has contact information for your doctor and where to go for emergency care.

Understanding Your Asthma Action Plan

For your asthma action plan to work, you have to follow it even when you feel OK. Review the plan with your doctor and make sure you understand it. Talk with your doctor if you have ideas for making the plan work better for you. For example, your doctor might change the time of day that you take your asthma medicine so it fits into your schedule.

Also tell your doctor if you don’t seem to need medicine for quick relief of symptoms as much anymore, or if you are taking more puffs than usual for quick relief. Based on your report, your doctor might reduce or increase the amount of daily medicine you take to ease inflammation and control the symptoms.
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December 3, 2024
Depression May Trigger Severe Period Pain, Sleep Disturbances May Aggravate It: Study

Severe menstrual cramps can affect a woman’s mood and her mental well-being. However, a new study reveals a surprising twist: depression may actually trigger severe period pain, with sleep deprivation worsening its severity.

Dysmenorrhea, or severe period pain, affects around 15% of women and typically occurs just before menstruation, and subsides after a few days. If the menstrual cramps occur without any underlying condition, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. This type of period pain is often caused by high levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that increase uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea, however, is caused by medical conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

In the latest study published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, researchers discovered that depression significantly impacts primary dysmenorrhea after evaluating around 600,000 cases from European populations and 8,000 from East Asian populations, finding a strong link in both groups. The researchers also conducted a genome-wide association study and identified key genes and proteins involved in this interaction.

“Our findings provide preliminary evidence that depression may be a cause, rather than a consequence, of dysmenorrhea as we did not find evidence that period pain increased the risk of depression,” said lead author Shuhe Liu from China’s Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University.

Another interesting observation was that sleeplessness, commonly experienced by those with depression, played a key role in connecting depression and dysmenorrhea.

“We found that increased sleep disturbances could exacerbate menstrual pain. Addressing sleep issues may therefore be crucial in managing both conditions,” Liu said.

However, larger studies and biological experiments are needed to fully understand the causal association between menstrual pain and depression. Meanwhile, based on the current findings, the researchers are calling for improved mental health screening for individuals suffering from dysmenorrhea. Liu explained that this could lead to more personalized treatment options, reduced stigma, and better healthcare for those affected.

“Depression and menstrual pain significantly impact women’s lives across the world, yet their connection remains poorly understood. Our collective goal is to critically investigate these issues and improve care for women by uncovering these complex connections and finding better ways to address them,” lead author Dr. John Moraros, from the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China told CNN.

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December 2, 2024
Single Dose Of Existing Antibody Injection May Cut Hospitalizations

For millions of people struggling with asthma or COPD, a higher dose of an existing antibody injection could be a total game changer, a recent trial results reveal.

According to the study conducted by a research team from the University of Oxford and Kings College London, a single injection of a monoclonal antibody, benralizumab, could be more effective than standard steroid tablets during asthma or COPD flare-ups.

Flare-ups, or attacks, occur when asthma symptoms suddenly worsen, causing shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, coughing, and wheezing. Several factors such as respiratory infections, smoke, hot and humid air, or pollen can trigger flare-ups.

Benralizumab is currently used to reduce inflammation in severe asthma by targeting specific white blood cells called eosinophils. Researchers have now found that repurposing the same drug at a higher dosage to manage “eosinophilic exacerbations” could reduce the need for further treatments by 30%.

Eosinophilic exacerbations are a particular type of flare-up caused by elevated eosinophil levels. They constitute 30% of COPD flare-ups and almost 50% of asthma attacks.

“This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD. Treatment for asthma and COPD exacerbations have not changed in 50 years, despite causing 3.8 million deaths worldwide a year combined. Benralizumab is a safe and effective drug already used to manage severe asthma. We’ve used the drug in a different way – at the point of an exacerbation – to show that it’s more effective than steroid tablets which is the only treatment currently available,” said lead investigator of the trial Professor Mona Bafadhel in a news release.

During the trial, researchers evaluated 158 patients for asthma or COPD symptoms by assessing the severity of their cough, wheezing, breathlessness, and sputum. Participants were divided into three treatment groups: one received a benralizumab injection and dummy tablets, another received the standard of care (30 mg of prednisolone daily for five days) and a dummy injection, and the third group received both a benralizumab injection and the standard of care.

Participants treated with benralizumab showed improved respiratory symptoms, including reduced cough, wheezing, breathlessness, and sputum, after 28 days. Additionally, the benralizumab group had four times fewer people that failed treatment compared to the standard of care with prednisolone.

“Treatment with the benralizumab injection took longer to fail, meaning fewer episodes to see a doctor or go to hospital. There was also an improvement in the quality of life for people with asthma and COPD,” the news release stated.

“Our study shows massive promise for asthma and COPD treatment. COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide but treatment for the condition is stuck in the 20th century. We need to provide these patients with life-saving options before their time runs out,” Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, the first author of the trial said.

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December 1, 2024